The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled to maintain consistency this season, swinging between impressive and frustrating performances. But after a hard-fought victory on Tuesday night, veteran guard Marcus Smart believes the team may have found something to move forward with.
The Lakers rallied in the final quarter and defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 110-101, winning their third consecutive victory. Unlike many of their recent wins, this one required a fourth-quarter push after trailing earlier in the game.
Smart is among them.
The defensive-minded guard had a well-rounded performance, finishing with 10 points, seven rebounds, four steals and three blocks. More importantly, he helped stabilize the Lakers during a chaotic period in the final quarter.
“Just staying locked in,” Smart said when asked what the key to winning was. “We haven't been in a position like this in a long time, having to fight back to get the win. But we just stayed locked in, stayed in control. Especially tonight's game, there was a lot going on with the officiating on both teams. It was chaotic, but we hung in there and got the win.”
The comeback represents something the Lakers have rarely done this season, which is react under pressure and end a tight game.
“Huge. Monumental for us,” Smart added. “Nights like this can change the trajectory of a team and a player. So hopefully this win tonight and the way we won and the way we won will give us a confidence boost that we can keep that energy going and continue. Because the way we played tonight and the way we've played the past two games is what we know we're capable of.
“I know you guys and everybody else are hoping that we can be consistent with it and that's what we're trying to do. Tonight is a key element for us to look back and see what we did right and try to multiply it.”
Stability has been the biggest issue facing the Lakers all season. But if performances like Tuesday's become the norm, the team might finally be trending in the right direction.
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